PUTTING PUFF PASTRY TO WORK
Store-bought puff pastry can be transformed into many company-worthy recipes. All these recipes are based on Pepperidge Farm puff pastry; one sheet measures 9 x 9½ inches—if using another brand you will need to make some adjustments to these recipes. To thaw frozen puff pastry, allow it to sit either in the refrigerator for 24 hours or on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes.
CHEESE STRAWS
Roll 1 sheet thawed puff pastry into 10-inch square. Sprinkle with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper; press on cheese with rolling pin to help adhere. Cut into thirteen ¾-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip several times and transfer to parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake in 425-degree oven until fully puffed and golden, about 10 minutes. Makes 13.
HAM AND CHEESE SPIRALS
Roll 1 sheet thawed puff pastry into 12-inch square. Brush with 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme. Lay 4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham evenly over top and sprinkle with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Roll dough into tight spiral, wrap with plastic wrap, and freeze for 10 minutes. Slice into ½-inch-thick rounds and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in 400-degree oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 24.
SPINACH-BOURSIN TURNOVERS
Roll 1 sheet thawed puff pastry into 12-inch square, then cut into sixteen 3-inch squares. Combine ½ cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, ½ cup Boursin cheese, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in bowl; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon 1 tablespoon spinach mixture onto each square. Wet edges with water, fold dough over filling into triangles, and crimp edges with fork to seal; transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in 400-degree oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Makes 16.
EASY TOMATO TARTLETTES
Roll 1 sheet thawed puff pastry into 12-inch square, then cut into sixteen 3-inch squares; transfer to 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Toss 3 plum tomatoes, cored and sliced ¼-inch thick, with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Place 1 tomato slice in center of each pastry square. Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in 400-degree oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 16.
KIELBASA BITES
Slice 12 ounces kielbasa into ½-inch-thick rounds. Cut 1 sheet thawed puff pastry into twenty-four 2½ by 1½-inch pieces. Firmly press pastry pieces into 24-cup mini muffin tin, then top each with ½ teaspoon whole-grain mustard and 1 slice kielbasa. Bake in 400-degree oven until puffed and browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Makes 24.